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Chapter #4 : Day of Reckoning
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Ezra knew he was in trouble. Chris had sent him to his room, but told him that Josiah would be dealing with his disobedience. Ezra wished Chris would deal with him. He knew he was in for a spanking, but he didn't want to think about it from Josiah. Although, sometimes Josiah was a softer touch, he wasn't sure what Chris had told him. Ezra jumped at the knock on his door.

"Come in." Ezra was surprised to see Vin.

"How ya doing Ez?"

"I'm fine now, but I wish it was Chris I was going to have this discussion with."

"I don't know about that Ez." Vin rubbed his sore backside. "Chris ain't easy ta take either."

"True."

"Besides, Ez. Yer always talkin' 'bout how Josiah's a soft touch and all ya have to do is turn on them tears and he feels bad."

"This is also true. Maybe I can still talk my way out of this."

Just then the door opened. "I wouldn't bet on that one young man."

Ezra gulped as Josiah entered with a scowl on his face. Vin made a quick escape.

"I was simply trying to make Vin feel better."

"By making me sound like a softy?"

"Put that way it isn't flattering is it."

"Forget it Ezra." Josiah reached into his pocket and retrieved the derringer. "I want to know where you got this. We checked the desk thinking you may have taken it back, but that gun is still there."

"I wouldn't have broken into Chris' desk. I'm not suicidal."

"Watch your tone. You obviously have some kind of death wish. You're 13, Ezra, not old enough to have a gun much less shoot it, but you already know that now don't you? Where did you get this gun?"

"Mother gave it to me." Ezra looked at the floor.

"Maude? She gave this to you, can I assume, after your birthday."

"Yes. She was shocked that Chris took my other one and when I told her I wouldn't steal it back, she bought this one."

"Chris said he took it from you this afternoon; after school. Did you have it at school?"

"Yes."

"Of all the stupid... you could have hurt someone; including yourself."

"But I didn't." Ezra defended.

"I won't argue this point with you Ezra. You knew we didn't want you using a gun, yet you chose to disobey both Chris and myself. Then I find out today that you think I'm the soft touch in the family and that if you start crying I'll cave in. Well, let me tell you something young man. Things are gonna change. I want you to give me that arm holster that fits this gun. You will not get another from your mother. Chris will be having a talk with her about this when she visits again. You are grounded for two weeks and I will find you some extra chores to keep you busy. Starting now, I expect you to show Chris some respect. If he tells me you have been sassing or back talking him, I will spank you. Is that clear?"

"Yes sir." Ezra thought he was getting off pretty easily until he looked up and saw Josiah removing his belt.

"Josiah, please. I'm sorry. I'll behave better." He started to cry.

"I'm sorry too Ezra, but you have forced my hand. Come here."

Josiah made it quick but it wasn't painless. When he finished putting his belt back on, he gathered Ezra into a hug. Ezra cried and Josiah comforted him. When his sobs ceased, Josiah spoke.

"I truly hope we don't need to do this again anytime soon. Respect Chris. I know you have better manners than that. Okay?"

"Okay."

"I love you Ezra." He hugged Ezra again and heard Ezra reply, "I love you too."

"Let's go get something to eat. I'm starved. Okay."

"Okay." Ezra wiped the remaining tears away and managed a small smile. Ezra left his room and before he followed, Josiah grabbed a pillow for Ezra's chair. I really am a softy.

**************

Supper was as lively as usual. Chris let the younger boys have their candy and then they washed up and were tucked into bed. Buck settled and read to JD, while Chris did the same for Vin. Normally, Ezra simply went to sleep, but Josiah decided to tuck Ezra in tonight.

An hour later, Nathan joined them, while Josiah, Chris, and Buck unwound with coffee.

"God, it's been a long day."

"Amen brother Chris."

"Well, gentlemen, I have a date in town so I'm going to wash up. See ya in the morning." Buck headed upstairs to dress and left.

"One of these days he's gonna want to rest on a Friday night."

"I wouldn't take that bet Chris."

"How did your talk with Ezra go?"

"I am a softy."

Chris laughed. "I told you."

"That boy has had my number for the entire three years he's been here. Even Pa went easier on him."

"A lot of that was because Pa wasn't sure what was bad behavior and what was Maude's training. He didn't want to punish Ezra for behaving like his ma taught him."

"Well, he needs to adjust. I told him things were going to be different from here on out. If he's disrespectful to you Chris I want to know about it. We are going to take care of that quick."

"Sounds like a plan. Can you stick to it?"

"With your help, Maybe." Josiah chuckled. "I'm tired so I'm gonna check the boys and head to bed. Good night Chris."

"Night Josiah. Don't forget tomorrow we're meeting with Judge Travis."

"Travis? Any relation to the lovely Mary that you are sweet on?"

Chris blushed. "Her father-in-law actually, Mr. Nosey."

Laughter was his response as Josiah went upstairs.

Chris sat and enjoyed the quiet. It never lasted too long in this house.

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Chapter #5 : Morning Repast
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Chris was having the same dream. They were stuck in the house and he couldn't reach them. The flames were too hot to even make an attempt. No one was going in, and no one was coming out. He was about to scream when he was knocked down onto the ground and had the wind knocked out of him. He was dazed for a fraction of a second until he realized he was awake. There was a small amount of pressure on his chest and for a minute he thought maybe he was having a heart attack. He opened his eyes and had to smile at what he saw.

"Hey Chris. Ya ever gonna wake up huh?"

"JD. What are you doing up so early on a Saturday?'

"I had a bad dream. I went to find Buck but he's not in his bed." Chris thought, I could just guess where Buck was. "I looked everywheres and he's not in da house. You think he went where mama and papa went?" I'm gonna have to have a talk with Buck I see.

"JD. He didn't go to heaven. He went into town last night after you went to sleep. It probably got late and he decided to stay in town. I'm sure he will be home for breakfast."

"If Buck is commin' back, how come papa ain't?"

"JD. Papa is in heaven. He's there with our ma's. They can't come back from heaven, but Buck can come back from town. We did it just yesterday."

"Is Sarah and the baby with papa and our mama's?"

Chris paled slightly. He didn't like to think about his family that was lost a year before he lost his father. "Yes JD. They're all in heaven." Chris wanted to change the subject. "Why don't you get off of my chest and go start getting dressed. I'll get up and meet you in there to help you finish. Okay?"

JD smiled. "Okay." JD scrambled off of Chris and ran to his room. He heard Nettie tell him to stop running and his soft reply of 'yes ma'am' as he went to his room. Chris rolled over and sighed. He silently prayed for strength to continue without his wife, son, and father.

Chris got dressed and went to help JD. Normally, Buck helped JD get up and ready for school, but on the weekends it fell to Chris or Josiah because Buck seldom ever came home until the next morning from one of his dates. Chris could here Nathan and Josiah downstairs as he headed to get JD. He walked into JD's room and frowned.

"JD. Didn't I tell you to clean this pig sty?"

"Ain't no pigs in here Chris." JD looked puzzled.

"Are you sure about that? They could be hidden anywhere in this mess." Chris smiled as JD started looking for hidden pigs. I must remember that 5 year olds don't grasp sarcasm. "Never mind JD. After breakfast I want you to pick up this mess."

"But Buck was gonna give me another ridin' lesson."

"You can do that afterwards. This room gets picked up first or no riding lesson. Understood?"

"Yeah." JD sadly replied.

"Come on. Let's go eat breakfast." Chris picked up JD's boots and headed downstairs. Once downstairs, Chris helped JD with his boots and headed to the table.

"Morning boys. Are Vin and Ezra up yet?"

"I didn't check. After yesterday it wouldn't surprise me none if they try to stay in bed." Josiah laughed.

"Ezra, maybe, but I can't see Vin staying in all day. It would drive him stir crazy."

"True." Nettie came in with breakfast.

"Where are double troubles?" Nettie laughed.

Nettie Wells was a small but sturdy elderly woman who had lost her husband about five years back. Lincoln Larabee offered her a place as his cook and housekeeper when she needed to feel useful. Now she pretty much ran the house. All of the boys, even Chris and Josiah cowered when she lectured them. She didn't like little boys tracking dirt through the house and she expected proper table manners at all time. She had become the glue that held this family together when Linc died last year.

Chris had been so full of grief and anger from the tragic death of his wife and son, that when his father passed, it almost killed him. Nettie had pulled everyone together to support Chris and to do what needed to be done to keep the family together. Nettie had to smile when she thought about what had brought Chris out of his drunken state. JD had wondered off looking for his papa and had become lost.

Chris searched like a man possessed. He knew that his pa wouldn't want him to crawl into a bottle and forget his family. Chris found 4 year old JD crying for his papa and brothers about 10 miles from the house. Chris embraced his lost brother and swore right then that he wouldn't lose sight of what was important again and he vowed to take care of his brothers.

"I think they're still upstairs." Josiah answered.

Just then Buck walked in. "You guys sent those two boys out awful early didn't ya?"

"Ezra and Vin are outside?" Chris looked shocked.

"Yep. I don't know what they were doing, but I pasted them on the way in to wash up. They're right behind me." Buck sat down and ruffled JD's hair. "Hey little brother. I see you got dressed by yourself."

"How'd you know Buck?"

"Just a lucky guess." JD had on a tan pair of pants with a light purple t-shirt on.

"I had a bad dream Buck and you wasn't here. Why didn't you come home last night?"

Buck almost choked on his coffee. He looked up to see smiles on everyone's faces but JD's. "It was too late last night to ride in the dark. Remember what I told you about how dangerous it is to ride at night?"

"Yeah. You said the pony could get his foot hurt. Right?"

"Exactly." JD seemed satisfied and finished eating.

"Nice save stud." Chris said as Ezra and Vin entered and sat down. Chris looked at them both and knew something was up. Any amount of trouble could happen when these two put their 'talents' together. "Morning boys. How come your up so early?"

Vin just shrugged his shoulders. Ezra didn't respond at all. "Vin?"

"Nothin' Chris. We was just talking."

"About what? Ezra?"

He was tired and hadn't slept well, and it made him irritable. "None of your business." It was out of his mouth before he thought. Ezra looked up when he heard Josiah's chair being pushed back. He was removed from his chair when Josiah took his arm and directed him into the spare bedroom. The door closed behind them and everyone at the table was silent. The silence was only broken by several smacking sounds coming from the spare bedroom, then silence again. The door opened to revel Ezra wiping at his eyes and rubbing his backside.

His walked over to Chris and quietly said, "I apologize for being rude."

Chris smiled and said, "Forgiven. How about we eat and get on with the day."

Ezra simply nodded and looked at Josiah. When he nodded, Ezra returned to his chair and began his breakfast.

They talked about what they were planning for the day. Nathan asked and received permission to go fishing with friends. JD was reminded to clean his room then Buck would give him a riding lesson. Josiah agreed to get JD's pony ready for when he finished cleaning his room. Ezra had a list of chores to keep him busy and Vin had the woodpile to work on. When everyone was headed for their tasks, Chris stopped Buck.

"Buck. We need to talk about you being out all night."

"What? Chris, I'm an adult. You really can't be tellin'..."

"That's not what I'm saying. You're right. You are 19 and you can stay out all night if you want, but I'm asking you to think about what staying out all night does to JD."

"JD?" Buck was puzzled.

"Yes Buck. When he couldn't find you this morning he thought you had gone to heaven with pa and his ma. It scared him more than that bad dream."

Buck sat down with a defeated sigh. "I thought he was doing better. It's almost been a year Chris. I just don't know what to say to him to make him understand."

"Buck. I think he does understand about pa and his ma, but you have always had a special connection with him from the day he was born. You are the big brother he looks to when he's scare or happy."

"What do you need me to do?"

"I'm not asking you to give up your ladies. Hell, that would be like Josiah giving up God." Both brothers laughed. "Just try to come home either that night of before JD wakes up. He doesn't even need to know you're gone, but he needs the reassurance that you will be here if needed."

"I'll try pard."

"That's all I can ask. Judge Travis will be here for lunch, I'd like you to help get JD to take a nap and then sit in with the discussion."

"Count on me Chris. I'm gonna go hurry that youngun along."

"Thanks Buck."

"Anytime pard."

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Chapter #6 : Hi Ho Hi Ho...
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Ezra hated mucking out the horse stalls. His mother had taught him that gentlemen don't debase themselves with menial labor, however his father believed good hard work made the man. Ezra tended to believe his father. The labor part wasn't very fun, but it did make him feel good. How his mother would be disappointed.

His thoughts were interrupted when JD barreled into him. "JD watch where you're going. Go play somewhere else." Ezra yelled as he brushed his self off.

JD's bottom lip quivered. "I..I'm sorry Ez. I... just needed..." he ran from the barn crying.

Josiah entered the barn to find out what was wrong. "Why is JD crying?"

"I don't know. I'm the one who he knocked down."

"So you yelled at him?" Josiah had his fists on his hips.

"Yes, I did. I didn't mean to though. I'll go apologize." Ezra headed out into the yard and found JD crying on Buck's shoulder. "Hey JD?"

JD looked at Ezra and scrubbed at his eyes. "What!"

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you."

"No you shouldn't have." JD responded.

"JD, you're supposed to except Ezra's apology, not try to make him feel bad."

"Okay Buck." JD turned to Ezra and saw how sad he looked. He crawled off Buck's lap and hugged Ezra.

"Thank you JD. I needed that." Ezra smiled and so did JD.

"I'm gonna ride my pony Ez. You wanna watch?"

"I would love to JD, but I have a lot of chores to get done before lunch. Thanks anyway. Maybe in a couple of weeks we can go for a ride together."

"Really? That would be great." JD hugged Ezra again and ran off to find Josiah.

"Sure made his day Ez." Buck put his hand on Ezra's shoulder.

"How does he do it Buck?"

"Do what?"

"Change from being sad to happy so quickly."

"I guess it's just a gift." Buck noticed how sad Ezra looked. "You okay pard?"

"I'm okay." Ezra blushed when he realized he was rubbing his sore backside. "Well, at least I will be."

Buck smiled as Ezra headed back to the barn. Josiah and JD came out with JD in the saddle.

"Josiah? You gonna make that boy muck out stalls for the next two weeks?"

"Nah. I wasn't gonna have him do it at all until he gave Chris attitude this morning. He's fallen back on 'my mother made me' too many times."

Buck laughed. "Ha. It always worked with pa."

"Yeah I know and the few times he probably was gonna do something about his attitude, I talked him out of it."

"Well Josiah. All of us have a soft spot for one or more of our brothers that lets them get away with a little more."

"Me and Ezra and Nate?"

"Yep. Then there's Chris and Vin and Me and JD." They were interrupted by a small giggle. Both turned and saw JD leaning over his pony's neck while the pony munched on some of Nettie's flowers.

"JD!!" Buck and Josiah pulled the pony's head away from the flowers. "JD. Nettie's gonna have our hides. You can't let your pony eat the flowers."

"But Buck. I tried to stop him but he wouldn't move. Maybe I need spurs jest like Chris."

"You do not need spurs for this pony. If I ever see you using spurs on this pony I will paddle your britches. Do you understand me?"

"Yes sir Buck. Was jest and idear."

"Well, it was a bad idea JD. Chris uses spurs because that black devil he rides needs it, this pony is gentle and don't need them. Spurs would hurt him."

"Okay Buck."

"Have you come up with a good name yet?"

"I like Spot." JD proclaimed.

"Spot? Why Spot?"

"Cause he's got spots silly."

"Pardon me. Let's finish this ride." Buck lead JD down a quiet path that went around the ranch house for about a mile.

Josiah watched them go and headed for the house. He stopped when he heard a horse approach. He waited for the visitor to dismount and then they shook hands.

"Josiah."

"Reverend. What brings you out here this lovely day."

"Well, I need a favor. My sister had an accident yesterday and I need to go pick her up in Eagle Bend and bring her back. I would like to leave early tomorrow so I can get back by dark."

"If you do that, you need someone to preach for you."

"Exactly. I know it's short notice and if you can't do it, then I will just stay in Eagle Bend over night and come back Monday."

"I can do it for you. No problem. I'm sure I can come up with something profound."

"Great. I owe you one Josiah. Thanks."

"No problem Reverend. It will be my pleasure."

"Good. Then I will see you sometime next week. Thanks again Josiah."

The Reverend mounted and rode off. Josiah turned into the house. Okay Lord. What do I do now?

***************

Vin liked the sound of the axe swinging and connecting with the wood. It was hard work for an 8 year old but he had done harder work while living in the Indian village with his ma. Vin paused to rest and thought about his ma.

They visited his pa many times before his ma actually got sick. Sometimes he found it hard to think he went from no brothers to having six. He had been here for two years when his pa died. Some days it was hard to ponder on, but his brothers help when he was reminded of his pa.

"And what pray tell are you thinking so hard about?"

Vin was startled. "Hey Ez. Oh nothing. Just thinking about my ma."

"You can have mine." Ezra half joked. " She just gets me into trouble."

"No thanks Ez. I seem to attract trouble without help. I still don't know what happened yesterday."

"You lost your control dear brother."

"I know that Ezra. Jeesh. I was talking about how Peterson seems to know exactly what to say to make me mad."

"I think part of it is you have to except some of the teasing."

"No I don't!" Vin replied indignant.

"Yes you do. Peterson insulted your mother. Was what he said the truth?"

"No!"

"No? Did pa love your mother?"

"Yes. What's that..."

"Was she an Indian?"

"Yes."

"Then it could be said that pa loved, how did he put it, injuns?"

Vin thought for a minute. "So when he said pa loved 'darky's' he was sayin' true cause pa loved Nate's mama. Right?"

"Exactly."

"But why did it hurt when he said them things if they were the truth?"

"Well, Peterson wanted them to hurt. That was his whole point. But you have to listen to what he says and if what he says has some kind of truth, then agree with him. If there is no truth in what he says, ignore it. You know better than anyone what your mother was like. Lies don't matter."

"Yer saying don't let him git under my skin."

"Brother Vin I do believe you have got it. It won't be easy, but I'll help when I can."

"With or without yer peashooter Ez?"

"Without. That gun has caused me more pain than I want to discuss. I actually can't wait to see my mother's face when Chris has that little talk with her."

"She'll probably try convincin' ya to live with her."

"Doesn't matter. I like it here. I like having a stable family life, away from my mother's cons."

"That's good Ez, cause I got a few more caves to explore."

"Dear Lord. Could you let my bruised backside heal before you get it into any more trouble."

"I kin wait a couple weeks til ya git.. paroled?"

"Yes that would be a good word here. Speaking of child labor, I must complete the 'mucking' before lunch."

"Good thing Nettie left already. She wouldn't let you in the house stinkin' like you do."

"Ha ha little brother." Ezra leaned in and sniffed Vin. "You don't smell much better."

"Guess not." Vin welded his axe and Ezra finished pushing the wheel barrel to the manure pile.

Chris smiled from his spot at the window, where he watched Vin and Ezra talk then head back to work.

Part 3

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